CVE-2019-20648 in RN42400
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR RN42400 devices before 6.10.2 are affected by incorrect configuration of security settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20648 affects NETGEAR RN42400 network devices running firmware versions prior to 6.10.2, representing a critical configuration flaw that compromises the device's security posture. This issue stems from improper security settings that are either disabled by default or incorrectly implemented, creating potential entry points for unauthorized access. The affected devices operate within enterprise and small business environments where network infrastructure security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on NETGEAR's networking solutions. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to device management interfaces and network resources, undermining the fundamental security assumptions of the device's intended operation.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate security configuration where default settings fail to properly enforce access controls, authentication mechanisms, or encryption protocols. This misconfiguration typically involves weak default credentials, disabled security features, or improperly configured network access controls that leave the device exposed to various attack vectors. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-755, which addresses the improper handling of security configuration issues, and can be categorized under the broader class of misconfiguration vulnerabilities that affect network infrastructure devices. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability may be able to bypass authentication mechanisms, access sensitive configuration data, or manipulate network settings to compromise the entire network segment. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where default configurations provide excessive access rights or disable essential protective measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20648 extends beyond immediate unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent network footholds and escalate privileges within the affected network environment. Organizations utilizing affected RN42400 devices face risks including data breaches, network infiltration, and potential lateral movement attacks that could compromise additional network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation may result in denial of service conditions, unauthorized data exfiltration, or the establishment of backdoor access points that persist even after initial compromise attempts. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access and T1068 local privilege escalation tactics, as it provides initial access and potential elevation opportunities. The impact is particularly severe in environments where these devices serve as network gateways or security appliances, as they may be used to bypass other network security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20648 require immediate firmware updates to version 6.10.2 or later, which address the identified security configuration issues. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and prioritize their remediation based on network criticality and exposure levels. The implementation of network segmentation and access control policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures while firmware updates are being deployed. Security configuration reviews should be conducted to ensure that default settings are properly hardened and that access controls are appropriately enforced. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations in other network infrastructure devices, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern of insufficient security hardening in network equipment. The remediation process should include verification that security settings have been properly applied and that no unauthorized changes have been made to the device configurations during the update process.